Topical Storm Chris – 8/1/06

As you know, we now have Tropical Storm Chris. Initial tracks show this storm being a possible threat to southern Florida. This storm formed out of a tropical wave that is impressive in it’s resistance to the shear and dry air that has been combating it all week.

For now, it is a small, compact storm like Dennis of last year. I do not see enough steering currents to keep it out of the gulf at this moment, but it could beat itself to death over the islands and possibly southern Florida.

This will be an interesting storm to watch, especially that if it can survive long enough to make it to the fertile waters of the Gulf of Mexico, some “explosive” strengthening seems to be a certainty.

Some models are showing a long term path similar to storms we had last year, but I feel it is much to soon to start worrying in the Gulf Coast region. Chris has his plate full with:

1) Shear
2) Dry Air
3) Possible Land Masses

Having said that, those with interest in Southern Florida should begin preparations for the possibility of tropical storm to (remote at this point) hurricane conditions.

Sadly, for the first time THIS season, I must encourage all readers to take heed of the following statement:

THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL ADVISORY. These updates and advisories are based upon information from our own computer models, NOAA, Local Weather Data Centers, deep water Buoy Data, and other publicly available sources. FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PERSON, please refer to your Local, State, and Federal Authority updates for Official Advisories and Orders. For up to the minute advisories and official updates, it is essential that you monitor your local Emergency Government, NOAA and Local Media Broadcasts. Please do not make personal safety decisions based upon information presented here in this Unofficial Advisory.